Produced in the north of France in the 18th century, this oak ‘buffet a deux corps’ has a simple and restrained elegance. Buffet deux corps are typically considered country French, in that they were a popular type of furniture throughout France, and each region had its own styles.  The minimal carvings on this deux corps confirms this: the corners of the body have small shell and floral motifs at the top and bottom of each section, and simple moldings on the doors.  The corners of the crown have pronounced angled shoulders, which is often associated with Northern France and Belgium.

The exterior has been painted in a sought after distressed manner, so that you can see traces of white, blue-gray, and the original wood. The interior has been painted in a bright light blue and, like the exterior, was added after production. The refreshing lightness of blue and white gives this deux corps a unique appeal.

Buffet a deux corps literally translates to “buffet with two bodies”. The design features a shallow upper cabinet that sits on top of a two-door buffet. This enabled the two sections to be split apart, making it easier to transport and bring into houses that might have had small doorways. The top cabinet has four shelves, and the lower buffet has two shelves.  Originally, it would have been used to store porcelains, linens, and kitchen ware. Both sections have their own separate keys to and working locks.  The buffet sits on four block feet.

In years past, a buffet deux corps would have been placed in the dining room to store items needed for large feasts. This piece is small enough that  you could also place this in a kitchen where it could function as a pantry.

CONDITION:  Good antique condition with slight age separations visible in some of the panels. Minor wear, rubs, and nicks commensurate to age and use.